To Repair or Replace? Best Ways to Resolve Problems Before Sale

If you have an issue with something in your house, resolving it before you put the house up for sale is your best bet. You will not necessarily have to shell out the money for a replacement. Depending on the condition and the context of the item in discussion, repairing may be a good option.

On the other hand, replacement could spell more value for yourself and the home buyer in the long run.

Worn Out Wood Floors
If you have rough looking, patchy wood floors they can probably be brought back to life. Wood flooring can last 100 years or more when properly cared for. If the finish is long gone and the boards are sagging, rotted or ultra-thin, it may be time for a complete replacement.

The usual culprit for lackluster floors is a long overdue refinishing. Sanding down the floors and adding a coat of polyurethane can be done yourself, or you can have the work done by a professional for around $2 a square foot. Loose sections could also be patched beforehand. Not a bad deal considering this process could make the floors like new.

Unsightly Bathroom Tiles
Mold and soap scum can make a bathing area look downright old and mistreated, but as long as the tile is intact you have some options. You can replace caulk and grout to make tiles look like new. You also have the option of refinishing the tiles before replacing the grout.

A good time to replace instead of repair would be if there is water damage affecting the integrity of the tile and the base material. If tiles have cracked or come loose, push against the surface that the tiles are attached to and see if it gives a little bit. If it is too springy, that is a sign of water damage and you will need to replace the whole surface along with the tile.

Faltering Appliances
If you bought your appliances recently and you suspect you have a quick fix on your hands, go ahead and call the repairman or use your warranty to take care of the cost of repairs.

That being said, if your appliances are more than eight years old, you could probably stand to gain a lot from replacement. New Energy Star certified appliances can save up to 40 percent of energy costs and can be a talking point to a potential home buyer. They will also be more efficient, have better features and come in many impressive finishes.

Since buyers always want to scope out the kitchen first, you may just want to replace if in doubt.

There are many other common problems that you may wonder how to address. If you have difficulty deciding what would look best to someone interested in buying your Okotoks real estate property, then take a look at our selling page to see how we can help you unlock your home’s potential.

Categories

Selling